Inspiration is a raw material for artists. We use it to fuel our creativity as we go about producing our final products. Although it is renewable, we all have been through times when inspiration is hard to find.
If your deadline is right ahead, or you are committed to achieving a personal milestone, sitting around and just waiting for inspiration to reveal itself is not an affordable option. When it is missing, sound artists need to find it. This article shares ten tips on how to do it.
Just Start
Sometimes, lack of inspiration is merely an excuse. If it is not necessarily entertaining, the mind can generate every kind of reason to distract you from the task at hand. To avoid falling for this trap, all you need to do is switch off your brain and get to work.
When you do nothing but wait for it, you might get inspired at some point. However, immersing in work should speed up the process.
Give It Some Time
Inspiration does not always come in the form of a spark. Most of the time, it is the result of a long and slow process.
Fyfe Dangerfield, an English musician, likens seeing ideas to seeing ghosts, considering that “ideas are always there, half-formed.” and therefore, “It’s about being in the right state of mind to take them and turn them into something that works.”
Get Occupied With Something Else
Nevertheless, if you are struggling to get in the mood, it is time to do something else. Go for a walk, take a shower, do the dishes, or go out to buy some groceries.
Ideas can come when they least expected. If you are not inspired to get some work done, use the time to relax or tackle another task. An idea might find its way to you.
Look For Inspiration From Your Surroundings.
If you decide to go for a walk or run some errands, remember that being outside is an opportunity to find inspiration.
Think of the universe as a massive collection of inspirational elements. From the smallest grain of sand to the vast sky above our heads, every tiny detail of this universe can be a form of inspiration.
Revisit Your Work
Reflecting on your finished tracks is another place to find ideas for improvements. It might also inspire you to take your next work in a totally different direction.
Similarly, listening to your unfinished tracks might pop-out what is needed to finish it or provides you with what you need to start something completely new.
Learn From Your Mistakes
When you listen to your previous work, it is good to bear in mind that your mistakes are the best learning opportunities. Use those mistakes to inspire yourself with solutions that take your next track to the next level.
Engage in The Community
Being active in the community and engaging in conversations is another source of inspiration. Try to listen some more, read blog posts, check social media feeds. Your fellow artists are not only your competitors but also the best collaborators you can find.
Check Out The Industry Resources
While you are waiting for inspiration, you can read some of the books you bought but never read. It is also a convenient time to clear up your watch-later playlist on Youtube. You might as well binge on all the industry-related documentaries and tutorials you have on your list.
Learn Music Theory
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Be Yourself
Do not be afraid of experimenting with a weird and unusual piece. If you believe in it, then you should produce it. Inspiration, in its essence, is trusting your instincts.
Conclusion
Without inspiration, spending time at the studio can be challenging for artists. Instead of waiting for it to reveal itself, you should look for it. Getting started and being patient with the process, in addition to paying attention to your surroundings, revisiting your work, and trusting your instincts, can easily set you up with the inspiration you need.
If you are getting stuck visualizing your next idea, we invite you to reach out to us here at Mello Studio. Let’s discuss your next project and work together to bring it to life.
